Bangkok: Pheu Thai Party has raised concerns over the role of Pakornwut Udompipatsakul, questioning whether he serves as the deputy leader of the People's Party or as a spokesman for the Bhumjaithai Party. This comes amid ongoing discussions over the potential formation of a majority government. The Pheu Thai Party is scrutinizing Pakornwut's allegiance as he navigates his responsibilities within the political landscape.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Chanin Rungthanakiat, the deputy spokesperson for the Pheu Thai Party, highlighted the party's position as an opposition force following an agreement between the Prachachon and Bhumjaithai parties to form a government. This move has been perceived as an effort to bolster support for the Bhumjaithai administration by integrating more politicians into political roles. However, Pakornwut, a deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, has downplayed these developments in interviews, claiming there is no evidence of a majority government forming. This has led to speculation about his true role within the political framework.
Mr. Chanin also mentioned Pakornwut's defense of the Bhumjaithai Party's stance, asserting that a majority government would require a major opposition party, such as the Pheu Thai Party or the People's Party, to lend its support. He noted that nine Pheu Thai MPs opposed the party's decision to support Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul during a recent campaign. Mr. Chanin emphasized that the Pheu Thai Party is not part of the minority government agreement between the Orange and Blue parties and suggested that the People's Party was instrumental in supporting Anutin's government. Concerns have arisen that the government's formation was not intended to dissolve parliament but to address the Blue case.
In a statement issued on September 20th, Mr. Chanin reiterated the Pheu Thai Party's commitment to its opposition role, with both new and experienced MPs ready to work with the Prachachon Party. However, he clarified that the party would not assume the position of opposition whip due to the unusual mechanism used to form the government. He criticized the current arrangement, where opposition leaders seemingly support the Bhumjaithai Party, questioning whether these roles truly represent opposition interests.
Mr. Chanin concluded by affirming the Pheu Thai Party's dedication to holding the government accountable, with no obligations to the agreements in the blue-orange memorandum of understanding. The party is focused on representing the people's interests and plans to actively participate in the upcoming debate on the Anutin government's policy statement.